Chaining of Melkor
From Tolkien Gateway
The Chaining of Melkor refers to his imprisonment for "three ages" after the War for Sake of the Elves. After their final victory in the Siege of Utumno, Tulkas captured Melkor and bound him with the great chain Angainor. He was carried by to Valinor and sentenced to his long term of incarceration by the Elder King and chief of the Valar, Manwë.[1]
During this period (Y.T. 1100 - Y.T. 1400), which is divided in three ages of 100 Valian Years each, the Days of Bliss occurred.
- During the first age, the Elves were able to undertake the Great Journey to Valinor unmolested and the cities of Eldamar were built.
- During the second, many princes of the Elves were born in Eldamar, and Fëanor created the Tengwar.
- During the third, Menegroth was built and the Nandor reached Beleriand.
At the end of the third age of his captivity, Manwë released Melkor,[2] but he turned back to darkness, destroying the Two Trees and fleeing back to his strongholds in the north of Middle-earth with the Silmarils.[3]
References
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Coming of the Elves and the Captivity of Melkor"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of Fëanor and the Unchaining of Melkor"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Darkening of Valinor"
